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Monday, February 22, 2010

Sencha + Jenny = True Love Forever

Ah, love. We already know that pencil skirts and blouses go together like peanut butter and jelly. Throw in some suspenders and a Peter Pan collar and that's a recipe for awesomeness, in my opinion.This skirt is BurdaStyle's Jenny skirt, and I spent a lot of time fitting it - to my actual measurements, no less! I started by cutting a 44 in the hips and a 42 in the waist, and ended up taking it in more in the waist and upper hip. (Yeah, okay, I'm a pear. FINE.) I like my skirts below the knee, and I had to add an extra three inches to this pattern to get it there. (Seriously, skirts are getting shorter every day, aren't they?!) I also changed the waistband layout. The pattern had it cut on the bias, and then stretched to fit the skirt pieces. I didn't really like the idea of having to stretch out the fabric to get it to fit, so I cut it on the straight grain instead. This meant that the waistband needed to be just a little bigger, since it wouldn't be stretched on the bias. So I made sure that the seams lined up as I was checking the pattern. Anyway, I'm so pleased with the fit of the skirt and I know I'll be making this pattern again and again. One of my favorite things about it is that it tapers in at the knee, creating a super curvy silhouette.

The fabric I used is a black cotton stretch sateen, and I lined it with a hot pink stretch poly lining fabric.

The blouse, made from Colette Pattern's Sencha, is in a rayon polka dot print. I drafted the Peter Pan collar myself. Tutorial is on its way!

I crossed the skirt suspenders in the back for extra cuteness (and so they'd stay up).

I was the one that said the skirt wouldnt work blah blah but the pattern looks so cute in the black I withdraw my previous statement about it in the red/orange wool.

Im so glad to see someone wearing the sencha blouse it has been difficult to find a picture online of someone actually wearing it other then the models for the company. Seriously thinking about buying it now.

Oh my golly-you are one glamorous lady! ;) I really love the skirt; you can tell from the photos that you did take the time to really fit it. Plus, the blouse is pretty much the most perfect thing ever, imho (polka dots + peter pan collar = coveting!). lol.

I really love the suspenders. I've been pondering making a skirt with either self fabric or embroidered ribbon suspenders (I picked up a couple yards of a fantastic ribbon a couple weekends ago that is just screaming to be used in some retro-ish way ;). Seeing your skirt may finally motivate me to get moving... haha!

I LOVE this outfit. Once school is out (pre-master's, argh) I'm definitely going to be making one.

Thank you for posting your rough measurements. It looks like we're the same size, and until now I envied your clothes but despaired of ever being as thin as you. Looking at you has made me look at my body more objectively, and if you can rock similar measurements, I certainly can!

I think a lot of women perceive themselves larger than they are, or don't have an accurate idea of what they look like (hi!) and, going back to your post about whether or not printing measurements is a good or bad thing, I think it goes a long way to presenting real women and bodies as they are. Not everyone is a size two, or six, or eighteen; but if you can see people in your rough size range and measurements rocking it, it gives you more confidence about your own body.

I've been eyeing the Jenny pattern, but I haven't purchased it because it looked like the pattern doesn't include directions for lining. Did you draft your own lining pattern? How difficult was that? Somehow that seems really scary to me.

The outfit is gorgeous! You look so great in it! You've made me certain to try the Jenny as well, and having your modifications (i.e. the non-biased waistband) in mind. The Sencha pattern is also very nice with the peter pan collar, but I'm a bit uncertain with the "open" darts, although I see the point when it's worn with a pencil skirt. But having tried the Jenny with a stretch fabric, how do you think it will work with a non-stretch fabric? I mean, pencil skirts need to be rather fitted, or? Do you have any opinions or tips on this?

I also get really envious with the luxurious range of fabrics you have in NY. Rayon stretch lining? Never heard of it... I've even worked in a fabric shop, and we only sold polyester satin lining, acetate lining or charmeuse lining...

Carina: I didn't have to adapt the suspenders at all. They ended up being long enough that I could just cross them in back.

Anna: the skirt *does* include directions for lining. But even if it didn't, it's no big deal to make your own lining. Just use the skirt pieces as your pattern, baste the lining to the skirt wrong sides together, and then apply the waistband. And hem them about an inch and a half shorter than the skirt!

frk.bustad: I'm not anticipating any problems adapting this to a non-stretch fabric. I made certain not to fit it too tight, so the stretch isn't absolutely necessary. I'll let you know how it goes with my orange wool!

Oh my, I really didn't fancy the Jenny skirt that much but now I think I may have to make it too! I adore the straps crossed in the back, and it looks amazing with the blouse. Now I really can't wait for payday to roll around so I can FINALLY purchase the Sencha pattern for which I've purchased a few cute fabrics, even without having the pattern, oops!

I attempted to make a suspended 6 gore skirt awhile back, but failed to understand the concept of ease...whoops! This is a definite inspiration, and now I also cannot wait to cut out my Sencha fabric this afternoon and get that finished :D

This is a lovely combination, I just love the shape of the skirt and the awesome suspenders--not to mention that incredible blouse!

I am hoping to advance to more fitted pieces like these as I improve my sewing skills. For now, I'm intimidated by the idea of cutting anything on the bias. I've had the concept explained to me, but I worry that I would mess it up.

What a way to bounce back from an illness and a bad day at work! You look gorgeous.

I know you've shied away from posting measurements in the past, but can I tell you how helpful it is? I originally found your blog via your SBA tutorial at Colette Patterns, and it has helped tremendously to see patterns I've been considering made up (and rocked!) by someone whose figure is similar to mine.

I also have to agree with what Casey said, "polka dots + peter pan collar = coveting!" Two of my favorite things together! I'm looking forward to your drafting tutorial.

I am fairly new to your site and I must say you have been an inspiration for me to start sewing again. I just felt I must leave a comment when I saw this outfit- it is truly stunning! When I first saw the picture I thought this was absolutely the most perfect outfit ever! It fits you like a dream. You continue to inspire me right back to my machine-and I really can't sew that well. Thanks!

Oh my gosh! This reminds me so much of a skirt w/ suspenders I made many years ago! It was a narrow pencil skirt w/ suspenders that widened at the shoulder. I patterned it after Katherine Hepburn in Woman of the Year in the end scene where she is in the kitchen. Made it from a gorgeous rose finewale fabric.

Oh Gertie, its just fabulous! I love your ideas for the skirt and will be downloading this one and following your advice! You look superb and incredibly thin, I think that perfect fitting goes a long long way if you know what I mean. And those green pumps, I could faint with utter glee! Love love love!

THis is so cute! I have made several jenny skirts myself but havent tried the suspender version yet, definitely will after seeing your version. I also can resist a polka dot or a peter pan collar so im drooling over the blouse, i think i agree with you peter pan collar and suspenders, a recipe for awesomeness, lol Nicole

I've been kind of an off and on follower for a while but just recently decided 'you know what would be a good idea? *serious thinking face* READ ALL HER POSTS...in chronologically ascending order, of course.'

So...yea... anyways, I just wanted to say that you are so quirky, adorable, fun, and stylish . This outfit is so adorable! I think I'm going to have to dust off my sewing machine! <3